Hounshell, a federal judge clerk, hopes to spin her way into the title of dancing champion as she competes in the "Dancing with the Stars-Victoria Style" fundraiser on Thursday at the Leo J. Welder Center.

"Dancing in front of a crowd - especially something as elegant as the waltz - is way outside my comfort zone," she said.

"I chose to devote my summer and risk public humiliation to help further BTCRO's cause."

Five teams will participate in the third annual fundraising effort.

The group consists of doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who have volunteered their time to learn an individual and group routine.

Money is raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, silent auction items, and crowd votes. Fans cast votes for their favorite couple for $10 each. Teams are eligible to win two awards, for the best dance and most money raised.

This year's theme, "A Night at the Movies," will take the audience back to the cherished cinematic moments while watching their loved ones do the rumba, tango, waltz, jitterbug and cha-cha.

Teammates made jokes and moves during practice. Some dancers said their style is the most difficult.

"The tango is the most intricate," said Marla Hartman.

Her partner, Mike Rivet, wants to win big. "We want to win for the most money, but we also want to be the best dance," he said.

Although the evening will be filled with entertainment, the reason behind it is much greater.

"This event raises funds and awareness while reducing the stigma of alcoholism," said Susan Cattan Rybak, the widow of Billy T. Cattan.

Rybak said the fundraiser generated about $96,000 in previous years.

Her goal is to bring in $70,000 this time to support the faith-based center that serves 500 clients each year.

The outpatient facility offers counseling for individuals waiting to enter residential treatment, returning from residential treatment needing aftercare, and individuals who are able to maintain sobriety in an outpatient modality.

A group of community leaders founded the Cattan center in November 1999 and was named in memory of Billy T. Cattan. He died from cancer two months before the center opened.

Hounshell knows first-hand the challenges recovering addicts face because of her stepfather.

Glen Carmichael was a recovering alcoholic who received his 34-year chip of sobriety in January. He died a month later.

Before Carmichael's death, he went to school in his mid-50s to become a drug and alcohol counselor and spent the remainder of his life helping others.

Hounshell remembers the late night phone calls people would make to the house because they needed help.

Although he was sober for more than a quarter of a century, Carmichael told his family each day was a struggle.

"Glen's addiction and recovery were a huge part of who he was," Hounshell said. "He was the best counselor because he never judged but gave tough love."

Hounshell has watched ballroom DVDs, practiced during her lunch break, and taken zumba classes to become more comfortable on stage just to prepare for the dancing debut.